Marvel Super Hero Cards (1991)

Hulk #53

The only Hulk villain in the set… Absorbing Man

 One thing is for certain – this summer may have been one of the worst to take off of blogging!  I have so many NEW things to show you it’s ridiculous!  But, like I said before, I will be blogging on a new schedule – not really sure what it’s going to be right now – but a few times a week to be sure.  Anyways, let’s get started again!  It’s good to be back!

This is one of the sets I was given by my friend Bill.  There were about a half a dozen cards missing and a few Holograms – but I plugged those holes just recently.  The funny thing is – one of the holograms missing was the Hulk – and base set card#53, also the Hulk, was missing.  Art Adams did a lot of the art for this series – and it’s fantastic to look back at them.  It also looks like Larsen did some of the art on certain cards.

Hulk vs Thing!

Hulk vs Wolverine! This looks like Larsen's work - but I am not sure...

While I now have a complete set of these cards – I also don’t have any doubles of these – so I am sorry – but I can’t help anyone complete their sets as well.  Full sets of these are on the bay for relatively good prices – without the holograms of course.  If you want the holograms you’re gonna have to shell out a little extra.  The holograms in this set are Spidey, Hulk, Punisher, Doom and Mole Man vs the Fantastic Four.  I do have them all – and the Spidey, Doom and Hulk ones are pretty boss.

Hulk vs Leader!

I think it was a fun set to begin blogging again.  The art is especially nice on these compared to some.  Check back Friday as I will be posting another set then – one of the Marvel Masterpieces sets!  I’ve never been a huge card set collector – and after completing the sets I do have – I must say I now know why!  Although – since the invention of ebay it’s pretty easy to finish most set now!  I can’t really remember trying to complete sets before – but the newer sets are even harder to complete now… they have specialized base sets that are a pain in the ass to acquire them all!

The Hulk Chase Card in this set - Hulk Hologram!

Hulk Cards! The Theme for September!

I went through some of the Hulk trading cards earlier – but rather quickly and sloppy, I might add, so I am going to do it right this time. This summer I had the time to go through the sets I had – most were given to me by my friend Bill – and I spent some time finding and plugging holes. There are still some holes – and maybe in doing this in September people can help people out here. By that I mean, I will be posting some of the sets and I will also be posting any holes left in the set – if anyone out there can help me out – GREAT! And the other way around of course – let me know what you are missing and we can all do each other a solid!

See you in a couple of weeks!

Hulk #24 (2010) – The Review

Hulk #24

Alright, where the heck is David’s reviews?  That guy is going to get it!  Anyways, I am back to review Hulk #24 – although, after I read it I didn’t really feel like reviewing it.  It’s still full of holes and crappy plotting by the master of disaster – the one and only – Mr. Jeph Loeb.  I want to take a minute before starting this review by saying, as terrible as the story has been with Loeb at the helm, Jeff Parker is taking over with issue #25.  As much as I would have loved to see the character just die I think this is the second best alternative – someone else writing the series.  Loeb just needed to be off the book.  He should never be allowed to write the Hulk again.  Seriously.  If he walked into the Marvel offices tomorrow and said “I have this idea for the Hulk…” Joey Q should body slam him Jimmy Superfly Snuka style.

Some more Wrap around action!

Well, this issue begins where the Red Hulk is ready to take control of the country – but the real Hulk, now back, has something to say about it.  Ummm… when does this take place?  Because The Hulk re-gammified and them immediately fought Skaar!  And this was no minute and a half fight – but the Red Hulk went straight to the White House… and the Hulk is there too.  This is giving me a bad memory of when I saw Mickey at the Magic Kingdom AND in Epcot – in the same hour!  In different outfits!  I knew it couldn’t be possible!  And that was last year…

Red - getting his ass handed to him - as his daughter gets her ass handed to her!

Anyways, Let the battle begin!  The Red Hulk is shocked that the Hulk is standing in front of him.  He was so sure he had finally defeated and gotten rid of the Hulk.  Reading this comic, I was really wishing it was like the Gong Show – where I could hit the gong and another writer would come in.  Really, Red?  You thought you got rid of him for good?  Not to mention that Bruce is one of the smartest men alive – but if you’re that angry – just do it again.  It was easy enough the first time!  Oh – that’s right – that would make sense.  Loeb wouldn’t want common sense and accuracy to interfere with his plots.  That would just be silly – and upset the 6th graders – and those with a 6th grade mentality – that adore his writing.  So, the Red Hulk is now facing a Hulk he hasn’t in the past – the WWH Hulk – the strongest personality yet.  And this Hulk can  not only give devastating blows – but dish them out as well.

Remember when Red overheated in issue #6 - yeah, this is worse than that

McGuinness once again is the only real reason to check this book out as he gives page after page of beautiful knuckle punches and head butts.  The Guy is a master at drawing head butts!  Betty is there and tries to stop Bruce from killing her Father – I am a bit confused on the Red She Hulk’s personality – they were making her out to be a cold killer – but now she seems like… well, Betty instead.  What happened exactly?  Once they found out who she was she suddenly started caring?  That makes no sense… oh Wait – of course it doesn’t.  We don’t have to worry about her for very long though – Jen Walters Ks her ass O.  And what is this?  Well – the Green Hulk is beating the Red Hulk so bad it looks as though he has damaged his eye!  That’s the one weak spot the Red Hulk really has – as you remember from his fight with Wolverine.  It took practically 3 issues for his eyes to heal!  Good job Hulk taking out hi… oh wait, never mind – a page later and it’s healed.  WTF?

In other words... "Who's your Daddy?"

Well, the Hulk doesn’t let Red get away – even though he tries to – but when Hulk catches up to him Red delivers a brutal blow that sets off an atomic bomb!  The Red Hulk basks in his win – until the Hulk comes away from the blast without a scratch… and basically asking for more.  Then the Hulk – doesn’t hit Red, oh no, he claps – you read right – he claps.  He sends Red flying into the Lincoln monument and tells him he’s beaten.  He says not to bother turning back into Ross – for if he does he will be tried for treason.  And in a really pathetic twist in the end – Hulk and Cap – well, former Cap – go into the base where Red is being kept in a cell – just like Banner in the first issue.  Oddly, Banner says he designed it himself – so that even the Hulk couldn’t escape if need be.  Haven’t we heard that before?  And is this the same cell where Bruce was kept before?  Cause that really worked well in keeping the Hulk contained. (Sarcasm Detector!)  Red is in his cell smiling – saying he knew that they come to him looking for help.  Wow.  Just… horrible.  I wish I was there when he told everybody the ending of his Hulk opus – I can see him saying it with such enthusiasm – and being met with uncomfortable stares.  And then someone saying – “Yeah, that’s fine.  Just finish this thing already.”

Red's taken down... by applause...

Can I ask why Loeb keeps bringing up that Red punched out a Watcher as an accomplishment?  First off – he sucker punched him – secondly, the guy wasn’t going to fight back – and even worse, he was just watching at the time!  He wasn’t even wanting a fight!  It’s like a boxer punching out a spectator!  It wasn’t brilliant or funny or even worth repeating ever!  Not to mention – the Red Hulk’s powers seem to be what is needed for the story at the time – and them all of a sudden they disappear.  Thank goodness Loeb is leaving… Grade: D+

Keown Variant

The Incredible Hulk #611 (2010) – The Review

The Incredible Hulk #611

Seriously?  How could I not come back to post this review at least?  OMG This was like a Hulkgasm in my fingers!  I freakin’ loved it!  See, here’s the thing – they have been building this match up ever since we learned the Hulk’s son survived – and it’s finally here!  AND… get this – IT DELIVERED!  Jeph Loeb must have read this and scratched his head in amazement that all this goodness was wrapped up in one issue.  He’s probably still telling Pak that he should have stretched this out for 6 to 7 issues.

Full Wrap-Around Cover - Hulk vs Skaar

So, before we get into the comic, I just want to thank everyone for their emails and their concern.  I even thank KHM for his email – even though I think it was more self serving than anything else.  So, just to catch everyone up, my family and I are doing real fine.  My daughter is walking.  She also rocked’ a Hulk shirt at Preschool today.  She is so freakin’ cool!  So, I plan on spending the rest of the summer hanging with my wife and daughter.  I will be posting again in September – and yes, there will be a new posting schedule.  Most likely, Tuesday, Thursday and then either Sat or Sun.  Thanks to my partner in crime David – and it is David, not Dave – he hates that – for posting some reviews of his own.  I had to twist his arm to review a freakin’ Hulk issue rather than another Hulk appearance – and his tastes are… questionable at best – but he’s still a riot.  So thanks.

The Hulk is back! Planet Hulk Hulk is Back!

Now, on to the issue!  First off – JRJR does a pretty sweet job on this cover – and a small kudos to Marvel for not completely trying to bleed us dry by making this a wrap-around cover rather than a 50/50 variant.  So, the Hulk is back!  And we are served some smashingly wonderful action for his return!  We also revisit his very troubled childhood.  The issue opens with Bruce talking to his Father – telling him, even in his happiest memories, he is there.  Calling him a monster.  Bruce knows he is a monster – or at least knows the monster inside him will return.  The same monster that everyone fought back in WWH.  The Hulk that took on every hero without breaking a sweat.  Bruce asks that the heroes step aside and let Skaar do what Bruce has been training him to do – take the Hulk down!

Stand Aside Heroes - Skaar will take the big guy down!

Right away we know this will be a huge spectacle!  A blow out of awesome proportions!  Skaar makes the first move and throws his sword at him.  The Hulk charges forward – but Skaar, using the Old Power and shifting the tectonic plates draws enough power to punch the Hulk that send him flying for miles!  Across state lines in fact!  Skaar comes right behind him ready to land a killing blow – but the Hulk, of course, is ready!  He moves out of the way and slams Skaar, telling him that HE is the strongest there is.  And then, as always, the Hulk shows his compassion.  He tells Skaar he could crush him like an egg but instead he tosses him aside and starts to walk away.

...Or maybe not...

But Skaar doesn’t let his Father get away like that.  He says that Caiera told him that the Hulk was good – but he didn’t know that meant “weak”.  The Hulk doesn’t believe that Skaar ever talked to Caiera – because she was dead.  But then Skaar reminds his Father that she survived in the stones of the planet – until he fed it to Galactus.  The Hulk remembers – first Caiera – then his Father again.  “You’re always there, ready to destroy anything, anyone, I was stupid enough to love”.  Skaar laughs and asks if he remembers now.  Hulk answers by sending Skaar into orbit.

Red She Hulk lends a hand! Wasn't she out to kill the Hulk a little while ago?

The fight continues where Skaar lands – under the sea.  Huge swells begin to form and gets the attention of Betty (Red She Hulk).  Skaar punches the Hulk right out of the water – and tells him that, with all the training, what Bruce really wanted to know is if he’d have the will to kill the Hulk – and Skaar says he does.  He attacks the Hulk with the Old Power.  Betty tries to distract him and tells the Hulk to run.  “Hulk doesn’t…” Betty tells him to run again – but Skaar delivers a punch that sends Betty into a parking structure, cracking the foundation.  The people inside scream for help.  Hulk flashes to his Father, hitting him, abusing him, even while Skaar continues his assault.  The Hulk does a sonic clap that has the sand hold up the parking structure.

Dude! Just leave him alone!

Skaar, a bit shocked that he didn’t even see the people, is amazed that the Hulk saved them.  But the Hulk is still enraged, enraged about his Father’s abuse, about everything, and he turns his anger on Skaar.  A bigger and bigger blow after blow – he leaves Skaar bleeding and broken on the ground.  Skaar quips “Fun show.”  He says that Banner sent him to kill a monster – but “he doesn’t really know you, does he?”  Skaar says he’s done.  He’s says for them to work it out.  And then Skaar transforms back into his child persona.

Father and Son...

The Hulk sees himself as his Father was.  A real monster.  He transforms back into Bruce and says he’s sorry.  Betty tells him to hug his son.  Bruce moves in and Skaar runs into him, holding him tight.  “You’re always gonna be there” it says, showing the Hulk and his son together.

1:25 Keown Cover

I won’t lie, this is an emotional issue that really packs in the action – but end up making you want to call your Father and tell him he’s always been your hero.  Pak can write a story that really pays off in the end.  Nicely done.  This issue belongs up there with the Death of Betty Ross.  And Paul Pelletier’s beautiful illustration is outstanding!  Grade: A+

The Incredible Hulk #395 & 396 (1992) – The Review

Incredible Hulk #395

One of the things I loved about the 90’s comics, well, early 90’s anyways, was how beautiful the illustrations were!  When McFarlane and company ruled the pages you could not stop staring at the art!  I know I am not the only one,but I am guilty of buying issues strictly for the art and not even reading the issue!  Keown did that for me with the Hulk.  I could care less about the stories half the time, I was more interested in staring at panel after panel of awesomeness!

Fixit is BACK!

These issues I did read, mainly because the Punisher was guest starring.  I’m a sucker for the Punisher!  Although, he really did nothing for the story here, but it was still pretty great!  Michael Berengetti has died and the Punisher is there knowing it was a guy named Sam Striker.  Striker wanted to be the #1 in Vegas and he knew taking out Berengetti was the way to do it.  When Berengetti’s widow returns to the Coliseum Striker is there asking for the deceased “private files” to his business.  When his widow rejects his request he laughs, that is, until the elevator doors open and the Hulk shows up.

Hulk takes on the army!

The Hulk, now in his “Mr. Fixit” persona, tells Striker to beat it and Striker sics his men on him.  Big mistake!  The Hulk takes them out in record time, all but Frost.  Mr. Frost is Striker’s right hand man and he is a big guy!  So big, in fact, that the Hulk can’t even break his grip!  But Striker leaves and the Hulk tells Mrs. Berengetti that he will take the culprits who killed her husband down.

Meanwhile, Rick is meeting his real mother.  The Hulk goes to talk to the detective who is working on Mike’s case but she is not there.  The Punisher is outside, trailing the Hulk, but his real mark is the house they call Frost!  Paris, one of the Pantheon tells the Hulk that Striker is certainly guilty.  The Hulk asks how he knows this and Paris admits he is an Empath.  He also tell the Hulk that the person following them in the ice cream truck has some major hostility toward them.  The Hulk tells the driver to follow his directions.

The Punisher!

Next thing you know the Limo swings around and heads right at the truck.  The Punisher swerves out of the way and crashes but he is out in a moment armed to the teeth!  He opens fire on the Hulk’s entourage and the bullets bounce off the Hulk like tennis balls.  When bigger and bigger guns don’t work the Punisher pulls out a grenade, but Hector (another Pantheon member) hits it back at him.  The Hulk saves the Punisher’s life by grabbing the grenade and letting it go off in his closed fist.

Meanwhile, Rick Jones has no interest in meeting his real Mother.  Now, Striker is furious about Fixit’s appearance.  He tells Frost to take care of him.  But the Punisher tells the Hulk that he is after Frost and the Hulk says he wants Striker out.  And the Hulk has a plan to do just that…

The Incredible Hulk #396

So, apparently there was a storyline in the Spiderman series, one that I never read, that has Doc Ock beating the Hulk.  Even I know that is ridiculous!  Well, in the opening of the next issue we see Ock trying to rob a casino and the Hulk takes him out by flicking him with one finger!  Such a great shot!  Then, we see the Punisher ready to take the good Doctor out, but the Hulk stops him.  Elsewhere, we see Paris talking to Striker telling him that he’d like to join his organization.  He tells Striker he knows how to get rid of Fixit and that Fixit has his “fat fingers” in some drug business. 

Ock gets his!

Rick Jones is back in his side story where he apparently does want to know his Mother… maybe.  In Vegas, the Hulk and Punisher are putting on a show for Striker.  They are pretending to be in the middle of a drug deal when Striker shows up.  He tells them to give him the drugs, the money and to leave or he will give the photos that Frost is taking to the authorities.  Then he admits that he killed Berengetti and even shows him the gun that did it.  That’s when all hell breaks loose and the cops, working with the Hulk, come out ready to arrest Striker!  

Frost flexes his muscle

Frost opens fire and the cops return it, only Striker seems to be caught in the cross hairs!  Frost takes off with the Punisher not so far behind, but even when Frank puts a few rounds right into his chest, Frost can still throw a car at him!  Frost tries to escape in a Police helicopter but the Hulk has different ideas.  He crashed the helicopter into a casino and takes the fight indoors.  Frost takes a hold of the Hulk and covers him in ice!  Hulk also notices that his foe doesn’t bleed!  As Frost is about to leave, thinking the fight is over, the Hulk breaks free and lances Frost, impales him right through the chest.  He grabs Frost’s neck, but Frost’s head comes right off!  The Hulk asks “What are you?” and Frost responds with “I’m a head of my time!” and with that he explodes, leaving nothing but snow.  In the end, the Police have Striker in custody, but Frost got away, much to the dismay of the Punisher.  Detective Sanchez suddenly identifies the Punisher, but he gets away with the help of the Hulk.

"What the heck are you?"

I love the Punisher, I really do!  I really don’t think he was used effectively here but the story is so fantastic, who cares?!?  I love the Frost character is great, unfortunately, according to Ratchet, he never makes another appearance.  His origin is touched upon later in issue #437, and apparently the Leader is involved (of course!) but he himself never appears in an issue of the Hulk.  That’s too bad.  I love these issues so much and Keown is at his absolute best here!

– Later, David

   

Peter Parker: Spider-Man #14 (2000) – The Review

Peter Parker: Spider-Man #14

Wow!  What drama did I miss?  I love Ratchet drama!  About 5 years ago I saw the guy get into a fight with an 11 year old on a go-kart track!  Not a fist fight mind you, just a shouting match, but it was still pretty hilarious.  From what I can remember the kid cut Ratchet off at the last minute and almost made him ram another person.  Then the kid climbed out of the go-kart and said “You’re racing a pro!”  From there all I remember is Ratchet telling the kid off and finding the kid’s Father where he volunteered “with the Father’s blessing” to teach the kid some manners.  It was pretty classic.

Remember the clone saga! HA!

Anyways, I take it he hasn’t heard from King Hulk, so let’s move on to the review.  Another Spider-Man issue where he faces off against the Hulk.  This is the issue with Peter trying to deal with the fact that Mary Jane is dead.  All of her loved ones gather to grieve but Peter is out taking on every one’s favorite green giant!  I know John Romita Jr. is going through a lot of criticism as of late and I think it’s a bit justified.  His recent work isn’t really up to his older work, but this issue features a knock down, drag out fight.  The thing Spider-Man has on his side is speed and his never say die attitude!

Hulk gets the Spider!

The Hulk even captures him a few times but Spider-Man finds a way out of the mess!  He even blinds the Hulk with some webbing and while the Hulk flails about he gets in a shot on Spider-Man which send him flying into a newsstand.  Papers litter the street and Peter sees an article that says Mary Jane “Feared Dead”.  Enraged, Peter heads back out to finish the battle with the Hulk!

One of the most memorable parts of the issue is where J. Jonah Jameson actually puts business aside for once in favor of letting his staff  and himself stay with Aunt May at the “wake”.  Meanwhile, Peter and the Hulk is tearing up the train tracks  in their battle!  Peter pounds and pounds and pounds until his fists are bloody and bruised screaming about finding his wife.  When he can’t hit any longer he looks up to see the Hulk starting down at him.  The savage Hulk commiserates with Spider-Man, saying that his wife is dead too.

Did you get into a fight with a brick wall? Worse... the Hulk!

That’s when Peter sees the train coming.  He tires to put the broken tracks back together and can’t, until the Hulk helps too.  The Hulk does the heavy lifting while Peter mends the track and the train passes safely.  When Peter goes to thank the Hulk… he is gone.  Peter heads home and as he sits on his bedroom floor, the phone rings.  The voice on the other end tells Peter “She’s alive.”

Hulk and Spider-Man make nice!

Overall, I think Romita Jr. did a spectacular job in drawing a brutal fight between to superheroes.  I love the end of the battle where the Hulk finally connects with Spider-Man.  This is a fun, affordable issue worth picking up is you like splash pages of the Hulk smashing things up! – Later, David

The King Returns?

 

Just a quick post – Zeno has asked if I have heard from King Hulk Marco – a fan who used to post here all the time – until I told him not to lambaste people here.  So, here for your pleasure is the emails (First his, then my response).  Hope everyone is enjoying David’s reviews – I have been talking to him quite often – he seems to enjoy doing it – but I told him I will begin posting again in September.  I am going to take the rest of the summer to spend with my family.  Cheers!

King Hulk Marco’s Email:

“Hello Ryan,

 

I know that I am last person you’d thought you would be hearing from. After I left your site in March/April 2010, my career as a blogger as exploded.

 

The main reason why I left was the constant negativity aimed at Jeph Loeb’s writing and the lack of support from you and the others to get behind the campaign that I started on your website to reinstate a better writer once Jeph Loeb went.  Everyone on your site said it was a good idea yet nobody wanted to help me do the work to make it happen (except for one person). 

 

Me?  I am a doer.  If something is wrong I will try and improve the situation.  I don’t see the point of just sitting there and constantly moaning and complaining about the same thing over and over again.  It is better to try and change a situation if for no other other reason than for your own personal physical and mental wellbeing.  Hence, the reason I mentioned the Spider-Girl fans who have continously fought Marvel and won!  If they could do it, why not us?

 

For me there was only one choice Jeff Parker.  The sterling work he did on the Hulk tie-ins convinced me.  That is not to say he did everything perfect, especially when you consider he was asked to fill in the backstory to another writer’s work and to write some throw away material so that both Greg Pak and Jeph Loeb could write the lead in to World War Hulks. Anyway all that aside, Jeff is now taking over the title in September, hopefully for a long run. It looks like I got my wish (touch wood!). 

 

I also know that you have said some negative things about me since I left. You are entitled to your opinion and to me it isn’t really important. We are both adults. I don’t take it personally. After everything that as happened between us I am offering my hand (again) in friendship to you.  It is up to you whether or not you wish to take it.  

 

I think I know what personal tragedy as befallen you (I do hope that I am wrong).

 

Take care and look after yourself and your family.

 

Kindest regards

 

 

Marco De Jesus aka King Hulk Marco”

My response:

“Marco – first let me say, thanks for the email and even though I do not wish to get into details, I will say that my family is doing fine now.
 
Now, I will go through your email point by point –
 
“I know that I am last person you’d thought you would be hearing from. After I left your site in March/April 2010, my career as a blogger as exploded.”
 
I did not know you were a blogger yourself – that’s great.  I only know a select few who can make an actual career as a blogger – most do it as a hobby (like myself) – but if you can make it your career then great and I wish you success.  What is your blog?  Let me know and I will add a link to my site.
 
“The main reason why I left was the constant negativity aimed at Jeph Loeb’s writing and the lack of support from you and the others to get behind the campaign that I started on your website to reinstate a better writer once Jeph Loeb went.  Everyone on your site said it was a good idea yet nobody wanted to help me do the work to make it happen (except for one person).” 
 
Now, first off – Loeb earned the negative criticism, in my opinion, which is what my blog is – my opinion.  If you don’t like it, well I don’t make any apologies – I simply say, maybe my blog isn’t for you.  As far as your campaign goes… I only saw your insistence that other people do things – but didn’t see you doing much yourself.
 
“Me?  I am a doer.  If something is wrong I will try and improve the situation.  I don’t see the point of just sitting there and constantly moaning and complaining about the same thing over and over again.  It is better to try and change a situation if for no other other reason than for your own personal physical and mental wellbeing.  Hence, the reason I mentioned the Spider-Girl fans who have continously fought Marvel and won!  If they could do it, why not us?”
 
And here is where we differ – I didn’t really see you being a doer – I saw you asking other people to do things.  A “doer” to me actually does things – not just complains when other people don’t do things.  I thought the comment you left after you found out Jeph was writing Fall of the Hulk was in extremely bad taste and out of left field.
 
My blog is, very simply put, a release for me.  It’s a stress reliever.  I like talking about the Hulk and the things in my collection.  When you started insisting that I make petitions and such – it became something else.  I felt like I was supposed to be doing a job – when in reality – I write a blog.  I have fans of that blog – but I don’t feel those fans should expect me to do things that go outside the realm of the blog itself.  And to be honest – things are set in motion WAY before Marvel announces them – so, your outburst was a bit off kilter.
 
“For me there was only one choice Jeff Parker.  The sterling work he did on the Hulk tie-ins convinced me.  That is not to say he did everything perfect, especially when you consider he was asked to fill in the backstory to another writer’s work and to write some throw away material so that both Greg Pak and Jeph Loeb could write the lead in to World War Hulks. Anyway all that aside, Jeff is now taking over the title in September, hopefully for a long run. It looks like I got my wish (touch wood!).”
 
Again – another area where we differ – I think Parker is a decent writer.  He is hit and miss.  His first 2 parts of Red Hulk – they were great – but the third… not so much.  I was also not a fan of the first Hulked Out Heroes.  You were campaining for him after just 2 issues of the Red Hulk – which, to me, was premature.  I wasn’t as convinced that he was the best man for the job.  I am somewhat interested in seeing where he takes the Hulk series – but as I am not a fan of the character who knows if I will like it?  Again – that’s not to say Parker will do a bad job – that’s more a shot at the Red Hulk – who at this point I don’t feel has had a great run.  I know you like the story – but I and a few other bloggers feel differently.  Gary Miller, who I know you like, is also not a fan – and he and I both feel that the writing was spotty and at best.
 
“I also know that you have said some negative things about me since I left. You are entitled to your opinion and to me it isn’t really important. We are both adults. I don’t take it personally. After everything that as happened between us I am offering my hand (again) in friendship to you.  It is up to you whether or not you wish to take it.”
 
I don’t feel like I have said ANYTHING negative about you.  If you can find anything I will apologize – but again, I don’t think there is anything.  What you will find are these:
 
“I know Marco was hoping for Parker to take over Hulk – but there are certainly cracks showing in his foundation as a solid, “go to guy” for writing spectacular issues. If he ever comes back here to comment maybe he can apologize for trying to lambaste people for not getting behind him. Maybe he can admit he was a bit hasty – after reading these issues in particular!”
 
This is what I said after Hulked out Heroes #1 was released.  A terrible mini – that Parker wrote.  And I don’t think my comment is out of line – or really negative in any way.
 
the other comment I can recall is this:
 
“I try not to look at previews – I’d much rather wait until I can read the full issue – but no, haven’t heard from KH after his meltdown.
I just don’t need people on this blog who are going to blame and berate the readers for things that they aren’t even in control of…
If he comes back, great – if not – Oh well, I say. His loss”
 
And again – there is not anything negative but instead how I feel about what happened.
 
In closing, I will say this.  I think you are a very passionate, knowledgeable person.  That is good.  I also think you are a bit pushy and sometimes arrogant – but hey, who isn’t about things they want? 😉  I want to be honest with you – so that is why I am responding like this.  I miss seeing your conversations with Zeno on my site – they were extremely interesting and fun.  But, I mean it when I say I don’t want people on the blog who is going to blame people for things that transpire that they aren’t happy about.  I did like your constant comments on my site – but if it’s going to turn into another angry rant then I would rather you not come back.
 
Difference of opinions are fine – and I like having a debates on subjects – lord knows Gary and I have got into a few – and I would love to debate the Hulk series with you – especially issue #23 which I’ve heard you liked… I don’t know why!  But hey, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
 
If you feel like coming back to the blog, please feel free – but if not, then I wish you the best.  Have a great life, bro.  Right now I am not blogging – I’m spending time with my wife and daughter right now.  I have a friend filling in – you might find some of his reviews interesting.  I am still checking in time to time and will be back soon – but for now it’s David.  Like I said, if you decide to come back – great – I will see you there.  If not, that’s okay too.  
 
– Ryan”

I would also like to thank the countless other people who have sent messages my way – either thanking me for the blog as a resource – and other’s wishing me and my family well.  We are doing fantastic now – and I will see everyone after the summer – Ratchet

Web of Spiderman #7 (1985) – The Review

Web of Spider-man #7

Hey. David again. I am humbled to be able to go through Ratchet’s extensive library of reader copies and trades. I came across a reader copy of TTA #60, sure it was sort of beat up but it was TTA #60! He has almost double of everything! I decided to look through and find issues I never read before. I found Web of Spiderman #7. Ratchet said it’s one of his favorite covers. I like it but I’ve also seen better.

Buscema and David paired together!

The great thing about this issue is that it fits in perfectly with Hulk continuity and follows the events of Hulk #299.  Peter Parker is dreaming.  You know this because he is at work naked and all the other superheroes are there.  Even the Hulk is there.  He comes out swinging and Spiderman (who is constantly now changing costumes) is avoiding every blow.  The Hulk brings down the Daily Bugle but that doesn’t stop him!  As Spiderman keeps running he hears a cry for help.  And then out of nowhere he wakes up.  But he still hears the cries for help!  He sees an inturder taking out his Uncle Ben, Aunt May, The Stacy’s and MJ and Betty.

Taking out everyone!

He tracks the intruder down only to realize that it is in fact himself.  He killed everyone he loves.  He waxes cathartic for a moment but gets interuppted by the Hulk.  He comes smashing back in and as Peter avoids being killed he runs into Nightmare.  Nightmare is still on the run from the Hulk knowing that if he gets a hold of him that it will be the end! 

Spiderman decides to try and protect Nightmare and they keep on tumbling through Spiderman’s version of Nightmare’s realm.  Finally they reach the end.  They can’t go any further or they will stumble into madness.  The Hulk is there ready to land a crushing blow when Spiderman, who refuses to give up, knocks him beyond Nightmare’s realm.  As they somewhat celebrate the win Nightmare then tells Spiderman that he thinks he will keep him there as sort of a protector.  But as Nightmare gloats the Hulk’s hand snatches him from the other side and drags him down.  He pleads with Spiderman to help him, but Spiderman lets him go.  Then, Peter wakes up in his apartment with the Police and the landlady and other tenants all looking at him.  Do they just let other people follow the Police into what could be a crime scene?  Apparently in the Marvel Universe they do!

Nightmare never learns!

This was a thrilling issue and extremely fun to read.  I’ve always liked when Marvel had side issues like this fit into continuity with out having to make a huge deal out of it.  But also, anyone just reading Web of Spiderman could read this as a stand alone issue.  It helps that it is penciled by the man Buscema, the regular Hulk artist at the time.  Sal was coming close to the end of his run which is sort of funny when you look at who wrote the issue.  Peter David himself!  Years before he began his 12 year stint on the Hulk!  Pretty interesting if you ask me.

   

A Conversation with Ratchet

This is an actual conversation I had with Ratchet the other day.  I thought it was interesting enough to recount here for you guys.

Me:
How come you hate Loeb so much?

Ratchet:
Hate Loeb? I don’t hate Loeb. I hate his writing on the Hulk. It’s like he has taken years of continuity and just threw it right out the window. I hate writers who don’t seem to do the simpilest of research to find out about the character they are writing for. Granted, the Hulk isn’t as easy as, say, Spiderman. The Hulk’s history is filled with a variety of intricate personalities all with their own little distinct traits. One of the things that bothered me the most is when he brought Fixit back for no reason. It was an obvious attempt to sell more books to people who remember that persona fondly but Loeb didn’t even bother reading up on that character. Fixit says “Vegas”. He never said Vegas, it was always Las Vegas to him. Little things like that count to real fans.

Me:
Did he do anything right?

Ratchet:
Sadly, very little. This is all my opinion, of course, but if you read any of those stories in the series, especially the Defenders vs Offenders storyline it’s apparent he was making the Red Hulk’s power up as he was going. Not to mention the whole storyline! The Red Hulk thought he killed the Hulk in those issues, but later MODOK yelled at him when he absorbed all of the Hulk’s energy. It’s just that every issue there was something new to question and we never got any real answers. The Red Hulk was a really cool idea, I will admit it, but man was the execution poor. It sold a lot so they thought that they were doing a great thing when in reality the best way to measure success is to see if it stands the test of time. The Red Hulk series reminds me a lot of the Bruce Jones run. Nothing there stood the test of time.

Me:
What was wrong with the Bruce Jones run? I loved that whole run!

Ratchet:
As far as the stories go, they are fine, but as Hulk stories… not so much. As you’ve noticed, everything in the Jones run has been forgotten out of continuity. It sold like crazy but now when people talk about it, it’s hardly ever positive.

Me:
Has it really all been left out of continuity?

Ratchet:
Has Samson ever mentioned his son again? And even this most recent revival of Betty, it started when the she was poisoned with no mention of anything from her scenes in the Jones run. I’ll admit I haven’t read it in a while, but what I do remember is thinking “Has this guy ever read a Hulk comic before?” And then I got my answer. In an article he admitted that he took the job not knowing how to even write the Hulk. So, then he just left him out of the book. That’s ridiculous to me! As a whole, the mystery angle was cool but honestly, it wasn’t a Hulk book anymore. Do you know that Peter David’s “Tempest Fugit” was basically a quick fix to the Jones mess that he made of the book? In a way it served to get rid of the years of comics that Jones wrote. I mean, as a writer, how does it feel to write a comic and then have everything you wrote erased and gone from history? It must suck. But, I hope that it happens to the Red Hulk. I hope it’s all a bad dream and Ross wakes up and there is no Red Hulk anymore. Or at least I hope Parker (the new writer at issue #25) will make some worthwhile stories and the character worth every one’s time.

Me:
Well, (As I was about to ask a question Ratchet started up again)

Ratchet:
You know what really gets me? I hated reading the interviews the the 3 Hulk writers, Pak, Loeb, Parker, where they all kissed each other’s butts. I wanted to hear Pak admit that he could write those two under the table, at least when it comes to the Hulk, that he knows more about the Hulk and therefore is a better writer because of that. But, whatever, they all worked for Marvel so I understand. Man, Loeb gets a promotion for writing crap. He writes so many of the Marvel books they should really consider renaming the company. Maybe “Quesad-oeb”. It hardly resembles Marvel anymore. The Hulk stories are so far out of whack these days.

Me:
You don’t like Pak’s new stuff?

Ratchet:
I think Pak’s new stuff is as best as it can be when it’s constrained by having to match it up with Loeb’s plotting on the other Hulk book. There should be one Hulk book, or at least one Hulk. One. They don’t even have a good name for this character. Marvel calls him the Red Hulk, the stupid call him”Rulk”, cause that name sounds real good (said with a healthy dose of sarcasm) and I refer to him lovingly as the Crimson Idiot. He doesn’t even have a real name! At this point I guess they can now call him Ross but at least that’s better than Rulk.

Me:
I am totally going to post this on your site

Ratchet:
What?

Me:
This whole conversation.

Ratchet:
Go for it.

Me:
Unless you want to?

Ratchet:
No, not yet. My first post back will be that! (He said this pointing at one of the coolest items in his Hulk room) You’ve only done one post! Are you already done?

Me:
No! No, I even have the next issue all ready to post! I’m having fun!

Ratchet:
Post whatever you’d like. It’s your blog right now.

Me:
Can I review a Deadpool comic?

Ratchet:
Is the Hulk in it?

Me:
No.

Ratchet:
Then no!

Me:
I know, I’m just kidding! But I am going to take this and review it (I say this taking the second volume of Jones’ Hard Covers)

Ratchet:
Go for it.

With that I left the Hulk room and Ratchet’s house. Off to do some reading. I have a great issue up next. I’ll post it Friday. Later – David.

The Incredible Hulk #8 (1999) – The Review

Hulk #8

Hey.  My name is David.  Ratchet’s kind of taking a break from the blog for a bit, he’s dealing with some family stuff.  He’s not sure when he’ll be coming back.  Hope it’s not too long.  I am a Hulk fan.  Not as big as Ratchet, that’s hard to beat!  But I do read comics on a regular basis and enjoy the Hulk stuff.  I asked him if he wanted me to post some reviews while he took his break and he agreed.  He really feels for the fans of this blog and didn’t want to completely ignore it.  I probably won’t post as much as Ratchet does.  Probably just once a week.  And only reviews.  Sorry in advance if they are not as good as Ratchet’s. These will still be pictures of Ratchet’s comics in his collection just not his writing.  Leave a comment if you’d like a certain issue reviewed. I’ll try to get to it.  But I’m not too sure how long I will be needed to post either, so I’m not sure if I will get to it. 

It's like the old 3-Stooges move - but nastier!

I wanted to start with a controversial but favorite issue.  Hulk #8 which shows off a classic match-up of Hulk vs. Wolverine.  Eric Larsen writes this issue.  Wolverine still has his bone claws from when Magneto ripped the adamantium out of his body.  Does anyone else remember that?  It was awesome but Magneto should have done it way before.  Not sure what took him so long to figure out that he should do it but it lasted some years and gave Wolverine a new vulnerability that was interesting to explore.  This is the second time Wolverine faced the Hulk with his bone claws, the first being The Incredible Hulk #454.  This time Wolverine fares a little better as an opponent.  There may be a reason but more on that later…

This should have been followed by "Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck!"

From the get go this issue has smashing action.  Wolverine immediately levels the playing field by taking out the Hulk’s eyes.  It’s a pretty brutal move and some might argue shouldn’t have happened.  With Wolverine’s bone claws, I mean.  But I for one thought it was a brilliant move!  Larsen has had a interesting writing career when it comes to the Hulk, he was also the one who wrote the terrible “Return of the Sinister Six” in the Spiderman title.  It was pretty pathetic having Doc Ock beat the Hulk but Peter David took care of that in #396.  Larsen has said he’s a fan of the Hulk, but that fight was just ridiculous! 

And... no more pig stickers!

I will say this, Larsen is a master at writing old school style comics.  He adds humor and jaw dropping action into his issues.  But it never seems to add up to anything.  No one talks about his issues, which is sort of too bad, because his action scenes are pretty stellar.  A few pages into this issue where the Hulk and Wolverine battle the Hulk grabs a hold of Wolverine and snaps his claws off!  While that battle continues we also see Tyrannus in his lair about to use his machine that controls the Hulk.  And in a very uncharacteristically cruel moment the Hulk snatches a 15 year old girl to lure Wolverine out from hiding.

Amidst all the fighting we are also shown Death, one of Apocalypse horsemen, who is shown the Hulk’s very unsuccessful attempt at being a horsemen called “War”.  Death’s charge is to take the Hulk out but let’s get back to the action here: Wolverine tricks the Hulk into a river bed under a bridge and with one fell swoop drops the bridge on Hulk.  Tyrannus takes over the Hulk at this moment and finds him drowning.  As much as Tyrannus want the Hulk to die he instead decides to save him and jump away.  Wolverine goes after him but doesn’t realize he’s actually fighting Tyrannus now.  He knows something is amiss seeing as the Hulk is just growling at him.  Then Tyrannus actually knocks himself out by hitting a gas pocket.  Tyrannus link is broken and the Hulk turns back to Banner.  Wolverine helps him out of the mine and let’s Banner go on his merry way.

Brokeback moment with Wolverine and Bruce...

The most controversial part of this whole issue is that we learn later the Wolverine Hulk was fighting this whole time was a simple Skrull.  That’s right, it wasn’t even the actual Wolverine!  Are we to believe that the Skrull Wolverine is a better fighter against the Hulk than the actual Wolverine?  Wolverine actually fought the Hulk many times before so he could have learned how to fight him more effectively over time.  But the Skrulls have very rarely taken on the Hulk and never fared well when they did.  But, I like this issue though enough to have it be my first review.  I know Ratchet gives grades so to distinguish myself a little I will give… check marks!  Best possible would be 5 and this gets:

  

More CGC Comics!

Gotta love the Speedfreek!

I know I promised more posts- AND a full week and a doozy – but this week has been a bit… unexpected.  And not in a good way.  The truth is – I have a ton of new Hulk items – but I have to find the time to take pics and post them.  I have been using pics I have in my hard drive of stuff I’ve had for a while and just haven’t gotten around to posting.  Summer is a tough time.

To tell the absolute truth – something has happened that makes posting items on a blog seem… not so important.  It’s one of those things that takes a bit to sink in and then you learn to deal with.  Heavy stuff that really doesn’t belong on a Hulk blog – but it feels kind of good to let out… even if I haven’t really said anything.  Anyways, here are a couple of CGC comics I picked up off the ‘bay for pretty cheap.  I’m trying to keep any CGC I purchase to 9.6 or higher – and I know I should be concentrating more on picking up older comics – but these were so affordable I couldn’t say no…

The Last Keown Cover... The Leader and his Porn-stache

Marvel Legends Planet Hulk Variant (2007)

Planet Hulk - Silver Arm Variant!

So, I finally broke down and picked this figure up off the bay – for a little more then retail – but not too much to aggravate me!  I of course would have wanted this figure out of the 2 choices – this one makes more sense!  The silver arm is a must!  One of the thing I look for in anything – commission, figure, statue – is that it is comic accurate!

A mug only a mother can love... or, as it turns out - an Oldstrong!

Take a look at my ART page – and at the Chris Stevens commissions – I wanted PH – and at first he gave me a WWH, but then he gave me a planet Hulk figure – it was just missing one thing… and interestingly enough – it’s the same thing that’s missing here – the obedience disc!  I know that the Hulk destroyed it halfway through the storyline – but while he was wearing this armor – he certainly had it on!  Things like this bum me out a bit – but that’s because I am a big nerd and need to get a life…

The 2 variants together!

Hulk Classics’s Absorbing Man (2003)

Hulk Classics Absorbing Man

This is one of the most sought after figures from any Hulk line… ever!  It’s not even a Hulk figure – and even more-so – it’s the Absorbing Man!  Who is actually, for all intents and purposes, a Thor villain.  But – this figure is WAY better than any Absorbing Man before OR after – and one of the best parts – the thing that puts it over the top, the thing that no one has even tried to do again (but SHOULD) is the interchangeable arms.  One is steel, one looks like iron – but the third is the ultimate – a Hulk arm!  Although – that hasn’t happened in the comics.  I am not 100% sure – but I think the Absorbing Man can only take on properties of inanimate substances. 

Closer Pic

You can’t see this in the photos – but this figure (which easily sells for a hundred +) that I found in a LCS – just sitting on the shelf! This figure is actually complete – but off the card.  I put it together with some glue and tape and it looks fantastic!  Just like it was before someone haphazardly took it out of the package!  I’m not sure if I asked this before – is anyone out there who collects keep the figures in the package like I do?  I know a few collectors out there, like JG and Sean, they take these little plastic treasures out of the blister cards – but I love them the way they look inside the package!

By the way, has anyone seen Toy Story 3 yet?  Freakin’ movie is fantastic!

Cool Link – about Hulk Logos…

Hope everyone had a nice 4th – and now, if you have the time you should read parts 1-4 about the Hulk logo.

No Posts This Week!

Lex is turning 1! What a year!

Sorry – but as many of you know – if you’ve been following this blog, my daughter was born around this time last year.  July 5th to be exact – but her 1st birthday party will be this Saturday and I have a TON of things to do to get ready for it.  So I am a bit too busy to be posting – if I have time I might throw one in on Wed. after I pick up my books and see if there’s any Hulky goodness in there – but otherwise – nothing new until next week – but I promise to show off some really good stuff next week – I have a real doozy!

The contest packages go out this week – I hope everyone likes them – and Fiddy, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised with your FIRST PLACE PACKAGE!